Legislative Update (1/27)
Happy Monday!
The 89th Texas Legislative Session is off to a fast start, with only 140 days to address critical issues.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been busy at the Capitol, attempting to visit all 181 legislative offices—150 in the House and 31 in the Senate. I delivered one-pagers (view here) introducing our mission, along with some electrolytes to keep everyone hydrated. By making these visits early in the session, before things got too busy, I was able to have meaningful conversations with many staff and legislators. These interactions provided a valuable opportunity to introduce them to our organization, share our goals, and offer support as they prepare to tackle the challenges ahead.
Federal News
While our organization primarily focuses on state-level impact, I wanted to ensure you were aware of key federal developments shaping the broader health landscape. The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing on January 29, 2025, to consider Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been a prominent voice in the Make America Healthy Again movement, energizing national conversations around chronic disease and healthcare reform. (You can watch the hearing here at 9AM CST on 1/29).
Additionally, last week, Texas Congressman Chip Roy released The Case for Healthcare Freedom, a report that spotlights alarming statistics on chronic disease and systemic challenges in the American healthcare system, offering solutions rooted in a free-market approach (you can view the report here). The great thing about the Make America Healthy Again movement is that it highlights an issue that unites people across the political spectrum—showing that, while their solutions may differ, there’s broad recognition of the urgent need to address these challenges.
Texas Legislature
As of Friday, January 24th, 2,092 House Bills and 929 Senate Bills have been filed this session. Among these, I’ve flagged 163 bills as directly relevant to the goals of Make Texans Healthy Again. Some are promising, some concerning, and others neutral, but each could play a role in shaping Texas' health and well-being. Below are a few of the proposals on the table:
Prescription Transparency: Senator Kolkhorst is fighting to prohibit health plan issuers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from preventing pharmacists from disclosing the difference between an enrollee's out-of-pocket cost under their plan and the cost without submitting a claim, ensuring patients can make more informed decisions about their medications. This bill exposes how these practices contribute to rising costs, empowering patients with better information and reducing the impact of profit-driven middlemen on Texans’ access to affordable medications. (View here)
Nutrition Education for Doctors: Representative Oliverson is advocating for mandatory nutrition education in Texas medical schools. This forward-thinking proposal highlights diet’s critical role in preventing chronic disease and improving patient outcomes. (View here)
Supporting Small Food Producers: Senator Kolkhorst and Representative Goodwin are working to expand Texas’ cottage food laws to help small, home-based food businesses grow. Currently, cottage food producers can sell certain homemade, low-risk foods like baked goods and jams, but the rules are restrictive. The proposed legislation would allow more types of foods, including refrigerated baked goods, increase the annual sales cap, and open up more venues, such as farmers markets. These changes are not just good for small businesses but also for Texans looking for healthier options, as cottage food producers often use simple, whole ingredients without the preservatives and additives found in mass-produced items. By cutting red tape and supporting local food producers, this bill would improve access to fresh, minimally processed foods while boosting entrepreneurship and local economies. (View here)
Improving Nutrition in SNAP: Senator Middleton has introduced legislation to prevent tax dollars from subsidizing unhealthy food purchases through nutrition assistance programs (SNAP), aiming to encourage healthier purchasing decisions within our most vulnerable communities. (View here)
Improving Nutrition at School: Senator Hughes and Representative Harris-Davilla are working to prevent harmful food additives—like brominated vegetable oil and red dye 3—from being included in free or reduced-price meals provided by school districts. It’s a common-sense measure to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to nourish children, not expose them to substances linked to health risks.
Off-Label Medication Access Legislation: Several bills introduced this session focus on protecting and expanding the use of FDA-approved medications for off-label purposes. These proposals aim to ensure patients and physicians have the freedom to explore evidence-based treatments that may fall outside the FDA’s initial approval parameters. For example, legislation like the "Right to Treat Act" prohibits state officials from restricting physicians from prescribing or administering drugs for off-label use, provided the treatment meets the medical standard of care. Another bill seeks to safeguard physicians’ licenses against adverse actions solely for prescribing off-label treatments. Additionally, a related proposal would prohibit pharmacists from substituting their personal judgment for that of the prescribing physician, specifically ensuring that off-label use is not a valid reason to refuse dispensing a prescription. Collectively, these measures seek to empower doctors, protect patient access to innovative treatments, and remove unnecessary barriers to care.
Vaccine-Related Legislation: This session has seen the introduction of numerous bills focused on vaccine policies, reflecting a wide range of priorities and concerns. Proposals include limiting government and institutional authority over vaccine mandates, such as requiring health care facilities and employers to honor exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs. Other bills address transparency and accountability, like mandating that adverse vaccine reactions be reported to federal systems and ensuring informed consent prior to vaccine administration. Additionally, legislation seeks to streamline processes for obtaining vaccine exemption forms while enhancing privacy protections for those requesting exemptions.
As we dive into this legislative session, I’m committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the fight to Make Texans Healthy Again. Whether it’s through sharing updates on impactful bills, talking to legislators and staff, hosting opportunities to connect, or preparing for advocacy day on March 4th, we’re building momentum together.
Your passion and involvement are what make this movement strong, and I look forward to seeing you on our call as we continue working toward a healthier Texas for all. Let’s make an impact—together!
-Travis
Lone Star Standard: Time to Make Texans Healthy Again
VIEW OP-ED HERE or below:
When you hear the word “crisis,” your mind probably goes to national security concerns. But there’s a quieter, insidious crisis looming—and it’s threatening the future of Texas: the health of our people. Chronic disease, preventable illnesses, and poor nutrition are claiming lives, driving up costs, and preventing individuals from living up to their full potential.
The statistics are staggering. Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes account for 90% of the $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare costs nationwide (1). Obesity rates have skyrocketed from 14.5% in 1971 to over 42% today (2). In Texas alone, healthcare spending has ballooned to unsustainable levels, with total Medicaid spending growing by just over 300 percent from 2002 to 2022 (3)—a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
The system wasn’t built to handle this. We excel in acute care but when it comes to long-term prevention and chronic disease management, we’re failing. And Texans are paying the price with their health, their wallets, and their futures.
This isn’t just a policy issue for me; it’s personal. My family has experienced the toll of a reactive healthcare system. Just two years ago, my father’s life was cut short by a late-diagnosed illness. My mother suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012 at just 49, leaving her with lifelong disabilities and countless subsequent hospitalizations. To this day, she cannot drive and relies on countless medications to manage her conditions.
My wife and I also endured the pain of multiple miscarriages. It was only when she sought functional medical care and addressed underlying issues that we were finally able to welcome our healthy daughter into the world.
My own health journey further underscored this truth. At 27, I weighed over 260 pounds, constantly fatigued and trapped in a cycle of brain fog and depression. In 2017, I made a commitment to change. Through exercise and incremental improvements to my diet and lifestyle, I lost 80 pounds and have kept it off ever since. The transformation was more than physical—it was mental and emotional. For the first time, I felt clear-headed, energized, and capable of living up to my potential.
The difference was so profound that I can only describe it as going from living in a black-and-white box to a full-color, widescreen world. That’s the opportunity I want to give every Texan.
I recently founded Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) to address the health crisis in our state. This non-partisan initiative is dedicated to empowering Texans with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to take control of their health.
We’re starting small, but we’re ambitious. This legislative session, we’ll analyze and support bills that align with our mission—promoting preventative care, better nutrition, and holistic wellness. We’ll also build relationships with legislators, stakeholders, and health advocates to lay the groundwork for long-term change in future sessions.
We’re not just about policy. During COVID, I saw firsthand how powerful community action can be. When gyms closed, I hosted daily workouts in my driveway and garage. At its peak, 10-15 people would gather—not just to exercise but to connect, support one another, and share ideas about improving health and well-being. That’s the kind of grassroots movement I want to cultivate statewide, both in local communities and at the Capitol.
Here’s where you come in. I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, and I don’t claim to have all the answers. What I do have is a deep passion for this cause, backed by years of experience in government relations, communications, and grassroots organizing. I’ve spent my career building coalitions and finding solutions, and now I’m ready to apply that expertise to tackle this critical issue. But I can’t do it alone.
We need your voice, your story, and your support. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s future, a professional with expertise to share, or just someone fed up with the status quo, there’s a role for you in this fight. Together, we can advocate for smarter policies, build healthier communities, and give every Texan the opportunity to thrive.
Visit MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com to learn more, get involved, and help us turn the tide. This is our moment to step up, take action, and ensure a brighter, healthier future for the Lone Star State.
Sources
Press Release: MTHA Launches
Make Texans Healthy Again officially launched today, aiming to educate and empower Texans to take control of their health by educating and advocating for state-level policies prioritizing personal freedom, preventative care, and holistic wellness.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024
MAKE TEXANS HEALTHY AGAIN LAUNCHES AHEAD OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Austin, TX -A powerful new movement has taken shape to address the growing crisis of chronic disease, poor nutrition, and preventable health challenges in Texas. Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) officially launched today, aiming to educate and empower Texans to take control of their health by educating and advocating for state-level policies prioritizing personal freedom, preventative care, and holistic wellness.
“We love our doctors, nurses, and frontline healthcare professionals—they’re the best in the world at handling acute care like injuries, illnesses, and life-saving procedures,” said MTHA Founder Travis McCormick. “But with a growing shortage of primary care providers, our already stretched system isn’t built to prevent chronic disease. Our goal is simple: make Texans healthier so they rely less on the system, reducing costs, and easing the burden on providers.”
MTHA draws inspiration from the national Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, championed by prominent voices like Calley and Casey Means and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In Texas, the urgency of this mission has been underscored by recent legislative attention, including a Senate Committee on Health and Human Services hearing examining the connection between poor nutrition and chronic disease. With bipartisan momentum building, growing public demand for health freedom, and a healthcare system stretched to its limits, now is the time to act in the Lone Star State.
“This mission is deeply personal to me. My father’s life was cut short by a late-detected illness, and my mother has lived with severe disabilities since her stroke at 49,” continued McCormick. “At 27, I faced my own health crisis: overweight, fatigued, and trapped in a cycle of brain fog and depression. By focusing on movement and cutting out processed foods, I lost over 80 pounds and transformed my health. For the first time, I felt clear-headed, energized, and capable of living up to my potential. Every Texan deserves that chance, and that’s what this movement is about.”
The statistics are startling:
Obesity: Over the last 50 years, obesity rates have increased from 14.5% (1971) to 42.8% (2018).
Diabetes Epidemic: Diagnosed diabetes cases have increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to over 37 million in 2022, with 96 million more Americans estimated to have pre-diabetes.
Dementia: Between 2000 and 2021, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. more than doubled, increasing 141%. The number diagnosed with dementia increased 373% among 30- to 44-year-olds, 311% among 45- to 54-year-olds and 143% among 55- to 64-year-olds from 2013 to 2017.
Depression: Antidepressant use among U.S. adults has seen a staggering rise over the past three decades, increasing from approximately 2.5% in the early 1990s to 13.2% by 2018—a more than fivefold increase. Between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of high school students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness rose from 28% to 42%, with those seriously considering suicide increasing from 16% to 22%.
Autism: Autism has increased dramatically over the past two decades. In 2000, approximately 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with ASD; by 2020, this number had risen to 1 in 36.
Infertility & Miscarriages: The total fertility rate in the United States has dropped from 3.7 births per woman in 1960 to just 1.6 in 2020, sperm counts dropped by 1.2% per year from 1973 to 2000, accelerating to 2.6% per year from 2000 to 2018, and the rate of reported miscarriages has increased 1% a year since 1970.
Military Readiness: A 2020 Pentagon Qualified Military Available Study revealed that 77% of Americans are ineligible for military service, with 60% of males aged 17 to 24 failing to meet medical fitness standards, according to the U.S. Office of People Analytics.
Make Texans Healthy Again is dedicated to addressing these alarming trends by promoting policies that prioritize preventative care, proper nutrition, medical freedom and flexibility, and holistic health practices to reduce the burden of chronic disease. In a state facing a growing physician shortage, preventative care and healthier communities are essential to ensuring the system can meet future demands.
“I’m not an expert and I don’t have all the answers, but I am passionate about leveraging my government relations experience to make tangible differences for my fellow Texans,” continued McCormick. “If you are passionate about this as well, I invite you to join me and together we can ensure better health outcomes for the next generation!”
Make Texans Healthy Again is calling on Texans from all walks of life to join the movement. Whether you have policy expertise, a personal story to share, a willingness to testify or meet with legislators, or a desire to volunteer, there’s a role for you. We’re also seeking dedicated board members and financial supporters to help drive this mission forward. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger future for Texas.
For more information about Make Texans Healthy Again or to get involved, visit MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com.
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